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Governance, Risk, Audit & Privacy · Intermediate

Nonconformity

Non-fulfillment of a requirement of a standard, regulation, or the organization's own management system.

Definition

In ISO audits, a major nonconformity is the absence or total breakdown of a required process or a situation raising significant doubt about achieving intended results; a minor nonconformity is an isolated lapse. Major nonconformities must be corrected and verified before certification. Observations or opportunities for improvement are not nonconformities.

Example

No internal audit was performed in the last 12 months: major nonconformity.

Exam tip

Organizations must address nonconformities with correction and corrective action.

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